10 must-do destinations to explore in 2015

When Australia covers a total area of 7.69 million square kilometres and has a wealth of beautiful destinations including coastal towns and chic cities, it can be rather daunting to know where to begin your holiday. Discover this year’s must do destinations and let this list inspire and assist you during your planning process to create your ultimate Australian holiday.

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10 must-do destinationsto explore in 2015

From city hot spots to beautiful wine regions, discover 10 captivating destinations that will inspire your next holiday.

When Australia covers a total area of 7.69 million square kilometres and has a wealth of beautiful destinations including coastal towns and chic cities, it can be rather daunting to know where to begin your holiday. Discover this year’s must do destinations and let this list inspire and assist you during your planning process to create your ultimate Australian holiday.

10.Arnhem Land, Northern Territory

Wildly remote and deeply rich in Aboriginal experiences, Arnhem Land is in the far north-east of the Northern Territory, fringed by the Timor Sea and Kakadu National Park. You can now join a working cargo ship and sail with your car on a cruise-drive journey from Darwin to Nhulunbuy via Maningrida and Galiwinku on Elcho Island.

King Island, TAS

9.King Island, Tasmania

Perched precariously in the wild waters of the Bass Strait, King Island is a reminder of the landbridge that once connected the Australian mainland and our most southerly state, Tasmania. King Island’s foodie reputation far outweighs its compact size: its creamy bries, blue veins and rich cheddars have a soft place in most Australians’ hearts.

Twelve Apostles,Great Ocean Road, VIC

8.Great Ocean Road hinterland, Victoria

Go west along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Birregurra, population 700, to sample country kitchen delights. Its home to the three-hatted restaurant Brae, the pride of chef and restauranteur Dan Hunter, who put another Victorian country town, Dunkeld, near the Grampians, on the map for his fare at the Royal Mail Hotel.

Rundle Street,Adelaide, SA

7. Adelaide, South Australia

Immerse yourself in Adelaide’s new small bar scene peppered along the restored laneways of Vardon Avenue and Ebenezer Place. Bars like Mother Vine are offering up a chic experience that is becoming synonymous with this beautiful city. It’s no wonder it was ranked ninth on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014 – top 10 cities list.

NewActon,Canberra, ACT

6.Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

With a wave of sleek newcomers to Canberra’s hotel scene, stay in style in the national capital. Hot spots include NewActon, the city’s arts and culture precinct, home to the uniquely designed Hotel Hotel and the slick QT Hotel. Or why not try out the luxurious Avenue Hotel located in the heart of Canberra’s CBD.

One&Only Hayman Island, QLD

5.Hayman Island, Queensland

The jewel of Australia’s east coast, the Great Barrier Reef, now has a new gem with the opening of One&Only Hayman Island. The perfect blend of whales, wallabies and the luxury of a private island resort, relax in Hayman Island’s luxurious seaside surrounds.

InterContinental, Sydney, NSW

4. Sydney's eastern suburbs, New South Wales

The upmarket suburb of Double Bay has been blessed with a fresh wave of new hotel and restaurant openings including the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay. With stunning views from their rooftop pool and lounge, the property has inspired a wash of new restaurants and bars around it including Sake, Fish Face and Casablanca. If you are looking to stay out of the city with a short ferry ride to Sydney Harbour’s iconic attractions, try Double Bay for chic, cosmopolitan experience.

Eat Street Markets, Brisbane, QLD

3.Brisbane’s Eat Street Markets, Queensland

Brisbane lights up each weekend with the new Eat Street Markets on Hamilton Wharf. Strewn with shipping containers, you can mix it up with the locals and eat around the world, from Mexico to New York via Singapore and, of course taste the best of Australia. The markets run every Friday and Saturday night from 4 – 10 pm.

King Valley, VIC

2.King Valley, Victoria

Tucked away high in the foothills of the Victorian Alps is a busy little community doing its own beautiful thing: smoking meats, making cheese and pressing wines. King Valley is a little slice of Italy in a quiet pocket of Australia. Follow the Prosecco Road, a food and wine trail that visits the valley’s best vineyards, restaurants, cafes and providores – with a spot of bocce (Italian lawn bowls) thrown in there for good measure.

Truffle & Wine Co,Manjimup, WA

1.Manjimup, Western Australia

Hunt for exotic truffles in Manjimup in Western Australia’s south west. The rich, earthy fungus has traditionally been hunted in Europe’s ancient forests, but chefs’ eyes are looking to Western Australia, now Australia’s largest producer of French black truffles. Western Australia’s fresh truffle season runs from June to September.

This is just a small taste of the beautiful and culture rich places that are available in Australia. Explore the many more places to go for your holiday ideas and inspiration.

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